Last Chapter, Last Page

      So many people dying; or so it at least seems, at this point of aging in my life. Maybe, it appears more prominent, because of the social media connection today coupled with the onslaught of birthdays I've tucked under my own belt. Two sentences and I've already defaulted to my own acknowledgement of my forthcoming departure out of this world. "O death where is thy sting?" Well, to be honest, to the majority of people it stings like Hell and it brings me to the forefront of my own convictions. Why, as a christian, do I sit on my convictions? My own belief puts me on trial. I truly do believe the word of God, but faith continually wants to kick me in the rear. Death reveals a host of repugnant realities that bang at the door of relevance, duty, obedience, and honor. I believe the temptation at times is always to throw it back into God's lap, except reason still tells me what else could He do other than to open the door as he has. 

     I understand that freewill has opened up the door to all the good that can be done in this world. At the same time, to all the prevalent evil imaginable. The fields are ripe, the workers are few. God presents us with a promise to those who will answer His call. He will never leave us if we pick up the plow, be persistent in nurturing those who answer his call, and joy in the harvest wherein His grace has covered us once and for all.

 

                        Last Chapter, Last Page

First step, First challenge, First stumble, First fall,

     First friendship, First love should have conquered all

Last step, Last challenge, Last stumble, Last fall

     Last friendship, Last love, Why do I still fall

Courage at times, eludes me still

     Failure would be my companion and bid me ill

If not for knowledge, I dare not to bow

     Humbled by thirst, to the fount He allows

Dare not to be sullen, this path to be trowed 

     Each step if we see it, is to be heaven's gold

Suffer me not to be discouraged, pray me patience to endure

    For God has never left me,  His love will secure

Last chapter, Last page in His book He will write

    Come sup at my banquet, Come bathe in my light

Last Spring, Last Summer, Last winter, Last Fall

     Last Chapter, Last page an end for us all

                                         Gordon Bieber 12-2-2022